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YOU PAY FROM $11,786pp $6,899 AFTER GCASH TRAVEL CREDITS & FFV
When you think of European River cruising you think "expensive". If you book one of the trips offered in Australian newspapers, with flights, you can easily pay over $11,000 per person. But not with your Australian Escapes membership. This package gives you everything you can possibly want in a European holiday at a massive saving:
* Various itinerary options are available. See full itinerary for details.
View Itinerary & Inclusions | Quick Guide for New Members | Not Yet a Member
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RETAIL VALUE $11,786pp GCASH CREDITS APPLIED $4,587 YOU PAY $7,199 |
| DISCOUNT OFF RETAIL VALUE: 39% |
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AUSTRALIAN ESCAPES FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHER (FFV) PACKAGES USE FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHERS TO SAVE AN EXTRA $300 PER PERSON (YOU PAY $6,899) |
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"Our trip was amazing, could not fault Australian Escapes. Accommodation - all boutique hotels throughout Europe, It was totally stress free. Two river cruises on Modigliani and Symphonies, staff were fun but efficient." Cherrie K.
This is a first-class, self-guided travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.
Click/tap the player above to watch this short (5 minute) video about the river cruise part of your holiday. This is just one of the highlights of your trip. The video includes scenery from this cruise as well as other European cruises by the same company.
BONUS: Add comprehensive, best-in-class, travel insurance for just $199 per person* valued at over $800 per couple. Enquire today to find out if your travel dates are available. Prices and deposit amount vary according to travel date. Package prices valid to 31/10/2019. [GENUINE ENQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE]
This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements.
Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.
You will receive these guides to to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave Australia. Take your Lonely Planet guides with you in your luggage.
* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and all bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. A flight cost provision (allowance) applies. Total price after Getaway Cash credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to booking. Standard (retail) price comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what would be payable by a non-member for the same package. Flight pricing included in packages or other estimates is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. Travel insurance pricing if stated is based on two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. Surcharge applies for travellers aged 70 years and over. Full booking terms and conditions are available here.
From Budapest to Strasbourg, enjoy a unique cruise crossing three rivers and four countries. From the Danube to the Rhine via the Main, you will be dazzled by the beauty of landscapes but also by the sweetness of these rivers that form a link between people, cultures and traditions. Hungary, Austria, Germany and France will unveil their history and rich heritage for an unforgettable trans-European getaway. Join one of Europe’s largest river cruise companies for this unique river cruise experience...
“Once you have travelled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” - Pat Conroy
Cabins
After dinner, retire to your private cabin in comfort for the night: all our tastefully decorated cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, shower/toilets, satellite TV, safe, hairdryers— and each gives you a view of the river.
"Things that matter most: experienced and friendly staff and crew, clean and comfortable cabins and beds, reliable and safe ships, excellent food, incredible itineraries."
Lounge area and sun deck
The lounge bar is good place to spend time indoors with friends, or enjoy some entertainment. The sun deck of each boat offers a panoramic view of the landscape’s beauty as you cruise. A great place to relax outdoors and enjoy the weather sipping a glass of wine.
Crew
We have a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of almost 1,000 people on our European river cruises, whose conviviality, attentiveness and professionalism ensures that your voyage will be comfortable and pleasurable. Our staff and crews speak French, English and many of them speak other major European languages as well. So you’ll be in the heart of European culture and charm, but you’ll always be able to find someone who understands you.
“You won't find extravagance and fuss here. Instead, what you'll find is just wonderfully right. And you'll be able to enjoy your trip that much more because of it!”
Arrive in Budapest and be picked up at the airport by your waiting driver. Tonight you'll stay at one of our featured hotels, the Prestige Hotel (or similar) where you can relax and unwind from your flight. Depending on arrival time, you can spend the night out at a local restaurant. (The hotel accommodation component is supplied by Global Escapes Travel.)
Passengers are welcome to board the cruise ship from 6:00 pm. After comfortably settling into your cabin, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an excursion for both packages: An evening of traditional entertainment in Belgrade.
Join us for the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Budapest.
DISCOVERY: Discover Budapest by bike. You'll bike down the streets of Budapest and past the most renowned sites and locations of the city.
We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Hofburg Palace, former residence of the Hapsburgs. Tonight, join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour Vienna by night.
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.
DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1).
After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna. This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.) Our ship will depart at midnight.
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Hilpostein.
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Kitzingen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Aschaffenburg.
Our ship will depart for Frankfurt. Join us for the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.
DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.
We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise towards Strasbourg, passing through two impressive locks on the Rhine, Iffezheim and Gambsheim. We'll reach Strasbourg at 2:00 p.m. and disembark after lunch. (End of cruise.)
This afternoon you’ll travel via the TGV high-speed train to Paris. It takes just 1 hour 45 minutes for this train to go from Strasbourg to Paris. The safety figures for the TGV system are exceptional; there have been no fatalities in high-speed operation since service started in 1981. Today TGV trains accumulate of the order of 50 billion passenger-kilometres per year on lignes à grande vitesse (high-speed lines) alone. 1.2 billion passengers have travelled on the TGV.
You’ll arrive in Paris early enough to be able to spend some time enjoying the first evening stolling by the river Seine.
Included: 4 nights’ 4-star+ accommodation, Eiffel Tower dinner for two, Seine River Cruise tickets for two, tickets for two to The Moulin Rouge show.
Why I Love Paris
By Catherine Le Nevez, Writer
“Paris’ grandeur is inspiring but what I love most about the city is its intimacy. Its quartiers (quarters) are like a patchwork of villages, and while it’s one of the world’s major metropolises – with all of the culture and facilities that go with it – there’s a real sense of community at the local shops, markets and cafes that hasn’t changed since my childhood. Yet because every little ‘village’ has its own evolving character, I’m constantly discovering and rediscovering hidden corners of the city.”
Here’s your opportunity to really get to know Paris, "the city of light". Your Lonely Planet guide is your best help to decide how you will spend your time. Rest in the afternoon of Day 15 because tonight you’ll be dining at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant at Eiffel Tower, followed by a river cruise and the most famous cabaret show in the world, Feerie at The Moulin Rouge.
Tonight you’ll experience three of Paris’ most iconic activities: Dinner at the Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise and The Moulin Rouge show.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as a wonderful 3-course French meal.
Le Louvre, a beautiful and vast museum.
Small-Group Mona Lisa & Best of the Louvre Tour: See if you can catch the eye of the mysterious Mona Lisa on this engaging tour that hits all the highlights of France's most famous museum. With a group of no more than 6 people and an art-loving expert to lead the way, scope out masterpieces like the Venus de Milo on this short and sweet tour of the Louvre's must-see works.
Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for things to see and do. Top of the list must be Musee D’Orsay (entry fee applies), the world’s greatest museum of impressionist art. Here are some other suggestions:
City of love, fashion capital, literary paradise… Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a cheap date. Whether you go weak at the knees for soaring church spires or want to rub elbows at an authentic French market, let yourself be seduced by... Lonely Planet's top 20 free things to see and do
It’s time to say farewell to Paris and the beautiful cities and towns you've experienced on your European holiday.
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Read what members have had to say in emails to us about our services. Scroll down and click/tap the headings to read more.
"Hi, have finally returned. Wonderful, wonderful trip. We think we loved Paris and its age/artworks but all was full of laughter fun and learning. Paris apartment was beautiful, & quiet when windows were closed, which wasn't bad anyway. The street is full of lots of restaurants and cafe's. (we also loved Shakespeare & co bookshop.) Fruit and chocolates in most rooms and champagne which I think we only drank in Brussels. we were ready for bed everywhere else though we almost had it for morning tea at Amsterdam on check in. Magnificent. Cheers." Val C.
"Have just returned from our wonderful trip to the UK. Just wanted to say a huge thanks for your organisation, we had the best holiday ever, an absolutely marvellous time, the tour was magnificent. We would recommend the Trafalgar Britain and Ireland Winter delights tour to anyone who wants to do adventurous travel, learning about other countries, and making friends. The coach was actually over half full of Aussies! Thanks so much for organising such a memorable holiday for us." Lee D.
"Deb and I are very grateful for the work you have put into our holiday. 10 days in and we are blown away by the quality and location of the motels and apartments. Many thanks." Jen W.
"My husband and I have recently returned from a holiday to Canada and Alaska booked through Australian Escapes. The itinerary was planned to take in all aspects of the holiday we required. The travel transfers worked seamlessly and the accommodation was at a standard that met our expectations of comfort and location. We absolutely loved the cruise and surprise upgrade to our stateroom. From our experience with this recent trip I would recommend Australian Escapes." Margaret & Bill T.
"We've arrived back safely after a thoroughly enjoyable trip where all the arrangements ran like clockwork, for which we want to thank you and your team, especially Sonya and Skye. We'd have no hesitation in recommending you and Volga Dream cruises to anyone who asks. Kind regards and thanks again." Irene and Blake S.
"I want to thank you for all the accommodation you arranged for us during our holiday in North Queensland in August. It was all excellent. The transfers went very smoothly too and we couldn’t have been more pleased with our holiday. Thank you for making everything so easy." Gloria K.
"My life has been like a whirlwind since I got back. I am now on holidays and catching up with people that I have not had time to contact since coming back. Thank you so much for organising my trip to The States and Canada for me. I had a great time and everything went really well. All flights went well. The hotel you booked me into in Champaign was a really old home with beautiful gardens, all done up and run by two gay guys. It was really quaint and I loved it. I had a great time, everything went without a hitch, I loved all the accommodation that you organized for me and I would like to wish you a happy Christmas and all the best." Marlene S.
"A message of thanks to you and your staff. The holiday went off without any problems and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and and had a wonderful time. Again many thanks." Dianne D.
"We are back and rested after a hectic few weeks (away), but everything worked out extremely well. Thanks so much for all your organisation – once you get used to the trains and buses, life becomes easy. Once again, thanks to you and the team for all the organisation from both Lorraine and I – we really enjoyed the holiday. All the best." Bob C.
"We just wanted to let you know that the arrangements you put in place for us in WA worked beautifully. You said the Margaret River accommodation was exceptional and it certainly was both in terms of location and facilites. Thanks again." Betty and Clancy S.
Read more reviews from Product Review.com.au below.
Your initial 5% deposit is held in our PayPal account and will be released back to you if you do not proceed with the travel package. (Bank transfer option available.) After approval, this and any further deposit paid is applied within 24 hours to various components of your travel package and remitted through to suppliers. Reservation status may be verified with the supplier after remittance. Confirmation of such booking(s) will be sent to you on request within 7 days. Final payment, when received is applied in the same way. Supplier confirmations including vouchers and e-tickets are then sent to you for all such finalised items.
